Margot Kidder: From Lois Lane to Life’s Harsh Realities

For many, Christopher Reeve will always be the face of Superman, but it was Margot Kidder who truly brought Lois Lane to life for a generation. Her sharp, no-nonsense take on the Daily Planet’s top reporter set the standard for the role. Yet, away from the cameras, both Reeve and Kidder faced their own health battles, with Kidder’s life taking a particularly tough turn after her diagnosis with bipolar disorder and a serious back injury.

Health Setbacks and Public Struggles

Kidder’s troubles began in the late 1980s, when she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. At the time, she chose not to discuss it publicly or seek treatment, a decision that would have lasting consequences. In 1990, while working on a pilot for a new television programme, she was involved in a car crash that left her with spinal injuries and partial paralysis. Unable to work for two years, she found herself saddled with a debt of $800,000.

Her most publicised episode came in 1996, when a computer virus wiped out the manuscript for her autobiography. The loss triggered a severe mental health crisis. She was later found in a backyard in a distressed state, missing teeth, and reportedly the victim of an attempted assault. Authorities took her to hospital, where she received psychiatric care. She later spoke about experiencing manic episodes that led to reckless spending and memory lapses.

Homelessness and Final Days

During her time missing in Los Angeles, Kidder lived rough, sheltering in cardboard boxes on the streets. Eventually, she was found and received help, but the experience left a mark. On 13 May 2018, news broke of her death. Initial reports suggested she passed away peacefully, but it was later revealed she had taken her own life through a drug overdose.

Changing the Conversation on Mental Health

Despite the hardships she faced, Kidder became a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. She spoke openly about her experiences, aiming to break down the stigma surrounding psychiatric conditions. Her daughter, Maggie McGuane, highlighted how important it was for Kidder to share her story if it meant helping others.

Through her candour, Kidder helped shift public attitudes, making it easier for others to talk about their own struggles. Her legacy lives on, not just in her films, but in the conversations she helped start.

Superman Films and Legacy

Kidder’s portrayal of Lois Lane spanned four Superman films, each leaving its own mark on pop culture. The original film, directed by Richard Donner, remains a classic, while the sequels varied in critical and box office success. These films are now available to stream for those keen to revisit her work.